Each year Poynton Rotary facilitates the annual community ‘Know Your Blood Pressure Day’ at Poynton Civic Hall. This event was supported by the Stroke Association and our wonderful team of clinician volunteers carrying out the blood pressure tests during the day. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone to have their blood pressure checked free of charge. It also achieves the aim of raising general awareness of the link between high blood pressure and strokes.
Figures show that there are an estimated 16 million people living in the UK with high blood pressure, however as many as five million of these remain untreated. With approximately over 50% of strokes caused by high blood pressure, this is an alarming statistic and one that both Rotary and The Stroke Association are fighting to change.
A good number of people had their blood pressure checked by the volunteer clinicians, and quite a few were recommended to follow up with their GP.
Hundreds of Rotary Clubs all over Great Britain and Ireland have been making use of local facilities such as church halls, shopping centres, libraries and leisure centres to carry out the free checks, assisted by health professionals and the Stroke Association, who are able to provide information and advice on stroke related health issues.
Download a fact sheet produced by the Stroke Association on the effects of High Blood Pressure.
